Int'l voices highlight China's historic role, contributions in WWII

Global representatives have recognized China's historic role and contributions during World War II and its lasting impact on global peace.

China will host a grand gathering on Wednesday morning to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Many international experts expressed strong anticipation for the event.

Giuseppina Merchionne, president of the Italy-China Cultural Exchange and Collaboration Center - The Silk Road, said that "the Communist Party of China, led by then Chairman Mao Zedong, was indeed the backbone of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The national united front during the war brought together diverse resistance forces across China. The victory of the Chinese people and military was not only crucial for Asia but also of decisive significance for the liberation of Europe from fascism."

Echoing this view on transnational impact, Kirill Babaev, director of the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of Russian Academy of Sciences, noted the broader symbolic importance of the event.

"I believe this commemoration is not only highly significant for preserving the memory of the great victory, but also immensely important for future generations. We very much hope it will send a signal to the whole world that we remember this great war, that we must not forget its lessons, that we celebrate our shared victory, and that we are committed to ensuring there will never be such a war again," said Babaev.

The strategic relevance of China's wartime engagement was further highlighted by Felipe Alamino, a researcher of BRICS study group of the University of Sao Paulo. "One of the main enemies of the Axis power in the Eastern Front was China, which was the utmost importance for the victory against the Axis, he said.

Luis Cantillo, a Colombian researcher, reflected on his visit to China. "When I had the opportunity to study and work in China, I visited Nanjing victims memorial. So I have witnessed the struggle and the fights that the Chinese people did during all those years. I think any commemoration to celebrate peace and to think forward, it's worth doing," he said.

Fredrick Mutesa, secretary general of Zambia-China Friendship Association underscored the global significance of China's resistance. "Without China's heroic participation on the Eastern Front, the victory that won the end of the Second World War, would not have been possible. Therefore, China fought not only for its national sovereignty but also contributed to global peace," he said.

Int'l voices highlight China's historic role, contributions in WWII

Local authorities in China's northern regions have taken swift measures to ensure public safety and maintain smooth transportation as heavy snow disrupted roads and brought plunging temperatures on Monday and Tuesday.

Moderate to heavy snow swept across the country's northeastern province of Jilin on Tuesday.

Snow began in the provincial capital Changchun around 07:00, resulting in accumulations on urban roads. The local urban administration bureau immediately activated its snow removal plan.

"A total of 15,000 sanitation workers were immediately mobilized for manual operations. And over 1,800 snow service vehicles were deployed to carry out snow removal tasks," said Li Wenxiu, deputy head of the sanitation department under the urban administration bureau of Changchun City.

Multiple expressway entrances were closed from 07:30 due to the snowfall.

A sharp temperature drop was forecast after the heavy snow, with minimum temperatures in central and western Jilin falling to between minus 18 degrees Celsius and minus 21 degrees Celsius.

In Gansu Province in northwest China, heavy snow hit 19 counties in nine prefectures as of Monday, with snow accumulated up to eight centimeters as of 08:00 on Tuesday. Temperatures in some areas dropped by four to six degrees Celsius.

Icy roads triggered temporary traffic controls on eight major expressway, while some cars were seen skidding on slippery sections.

In response to the hazardous road conditions, highway departments quickly mobilized teams to carry out snow removal operations. They prioritized high-risk areas prone to icing, including bridges, steep slopes, and sharp curves.

Meanwhile, traffic police stepped up patrols, employing lead vehicles for speed control and releasing traffic in stages on the most affected roads.

In Minle County of Zhangye City, police officers paid extra attention to school zones during student arrival and dismissal times, directing traffic and escorting students across streets.

"We mainly focus on de-icing roads, directing traffic, and escorting students, to ensure every child gets to school safely and returns home safely," said Chen Aiguo, a traffic police officer.

China's northern regions mobilize to ensure safety amid snowfall